The Practicality behind Polygyny in Islamic Law

Polygyny is perhaps the most questioned principle in Islam. Opponents of the practice claim that Polygyny is an archaic concept that is extremely demeaning to women. However, the Qur’an supports Polygyny on practical grounds. Islam is considered to be a practical religion. It reinforces laws that help in preserving the harmony and morality of its followers while catering to the basic temptations and needs of human beings.

Justifications for Polygyny 

Polygyny is primarily advocated on the ground that it is the best possible solution for a couple when the wife is infertile and the husband seeks an heir of his own, and separation is not an option.

Polygyny is also advocated on the following grounds:

• When the wife is chronically ill and unable to adequately perform her marital duties, Polygyny is a superior alternative to separation or divorce.
• Polygyny is helpful in solving the issue of high number of unmarried women, particularly during wars.
• Polygyny is a more dignified alternative to maintaining illicit sexual relations. It enables the second woman to be considered 'a wife' and not 'a mistress.'

Polygyny in Islam: A Final Word

Polygyny is subject to certain terms under Islamic Law. The most important rule of Polygyny is that a man must be fair to all his wives, not merely in terms of allocating money and assets, but also in context of treatment. It must also be noted that Islamic Law gives women the option to decline Polygyny, by establishing it as a clause during the marriage proceedings. If this condition has been established explicitly, a woman may be granted divorce when her husband remarries while still married to her.

Finally, a question arises that if Polygyny is permitted in Islam; why not recognize polyandry (woman having multiple husbands)? Islam justifies that allowing polyandry may create an issue of kinship; wherein the child may be unable to determine who his/her true biological father is. However, this may severely complicate the issue of inheritance.